C melody ID

[Teddy]

I checked out a horn belonging to a freind-Melody master Elkhart Ind.I am assuming it is a Conn Stencil C melody.It has raised up and tapered in tone holes.I havent seen a horn like this before.Right now it's unplayable.Any info on this?Is it worth repairing?

[paulwl]

Do the toneholes look like this picture (http://www.cybersax.com/4Sale/Saxophones/Tenors/Martin71kC-Melody/Martin71kC-Melody_toneholes.jpg)? If so, your horn is likely Martin built. The "tapered in" description reads like the beveled or chamfered tone chimney, which was unique to Martins.

More pix of Martin 71k C melody (http://www.cybersax.com/4Sale/Saxophones/Tenors/Martin71kC-Melody/)

eBay auction of Melody Master Alto (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7387181492)
This alto also has Martin type toneholes.

As for whether it's worth repairing, most C's would need more $ to be professionally overhauled than they could ever sell for afterwards. The best bet is if you can do your own work or are willing to use the horn as a project to learn.

[Daktion]

just to chime in...

or if you have a desire to play the C then it might be worth repairing. However, with the overhaul cost you can get a Big4 cmel ready to go and the resale value will be better

[bruce bailey]

Also most repair shops are not that good with vintage horns and you may need to send it to an expert (if that exists!). Smells like a Martin to me too. It is best to find a horn with the real makers name but these "stencils" can be good. I have a Wurlitzer (Martin) that was really cheap and plays just like the Martin.

[Teddy]

Thank you all for the info-I may overhaul it myself and it is the Martin Melody Master Alto per your photo.